Is an enterance reducer fit so that you have to hammer it in
Just lift the front of the lowest hive body and slide it in. If it is too long you may have to trim it.
John
No hammer should be needed. If it fits too tight whittle it down just a little. I use a stick most of the time to block part of the entrance, does not have to fit under the bottom edge of the box, just block the hole a little. after a short time they will propolize it in place.
I like to use the type of reducer that Harry Aebi made in his book. I have several different sizes to use, depending on the occasion and need. I also make my mouse guards the same way. I'll try to get a pic or two on my photobucket to share. BTW, I strongly recommend his book, The Art and Adventure of Beekeeping. It's written for beekeeping prior to TM, Varroa, SHB and CCD but is a joy to read. I especially like the low overhead ideas for beekeeping in the book. The drawings are also very period but neat.
Apparently it's out of print. I cannot find it new.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Adventure-Beekeeping-Ormond-Aebi/dp/0913300381/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332694357&sr=1-4 (http://www.amazon.com/The-Adventure-Beekeeping-Ormond-Aebi/dp/0913300381/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332694357&sr=1-4)